Privacy is like Toothpaste

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Privacy is like Toothpaste

Oct 17, 2018

Ashten Cormier

My lack of privacy on social media concerns me. I realize that once something is "out" it's OUT; kind of like toothpaste, in that what has been squeezed out, can't be pushed back in. Knowing this, I like to think I've become very smart and aware of what I say and do across all social media platforms. I choose not to voice any sensitive and controversial topics in writing. Although I pay close attention to my thoughts, words, and actions, so that they are all aligning with my character and for the highest good, if I do have an issue with someone, I will call or meet in person rather than displaying anything personal across social media.

I also realize jobs, companies, and future employers will essentially, unfortunately have access to everything display on social media, which could potentially have detrimental effects on future careers. Because of these reasons and more, I closely monitor what I post on social media. Social media is a way to engage in entertainment, connect with others, and depending on the platform, possibly educate oneself. Although many people utilize the platforms as journals and diaries to document their every move, it was not intended for such use. However, with comparison and young adults feeling inadequate, social media has been used as a competitive, money-making platform. I see so many "YouTubers" document their everyday life, and I could only imagine the amount of stress this places on young people. Because of this reason alone, I choose not to fall into that trap. "What you see is what you get with me and you're only getting a little taste. I amreally concerned about my safety and the safety of others, and therefore believe I should not highlight and display my every move. I don't need to constantly prove I have an interesting life in order to gain likes and follows. I choose to live by "Less is More" and move quietly and in private, rather than loudly or promoting myself. The lack of internet privacy, specifically social media, leads me to question and worry about the future generations' uses of technology.


Ashten Cormier, a student in Jon Pfeiffer's Fall 2018 Media Law class at Pepperdine University, wrote the above essay in response to the following question: Does your privacy, or lack thereof, on social media concern you? If so, what have you done? Why or why not?

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